Peyton Manning (left) and Nick Saban are two of the brightest minds in football. (Greg McWilliams/Icon SMI)

Some of the brightest minds in football spent some time together this offseason, when Peyton Manning and Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase made the trip to Alabama to meet with Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.

According to Alex Scarborough of ESPN.com, both sides benefited from the discussion, with Manning looking for any knowledge he could get his hands on and Saban hoping to learn more about the up-tempo, no-huddle offenses that have been able to exploit his Alabama defenses in the past.

“A lot of people would say, ‘Wow, the guy is one of the best, if not the best, from a career standpoint and about as good as anyone has been in the history of the league,’” Saban told Scarborough. “After all the experience and knowledge that he has, he’s going out to try and seek more knowledge and [understanding] of the game of football so he can play better.

“Since they’re a no-huddle team, we had a lot of questions for them, in terms of what gives them problems and what defensive teams do that give them problems. That was a mutual benefit. I know it was a benefit to us. I hope it was a benefit to them as well.”

It appears to have been a meeting that everyone was able to learn from, but the little visit may have violated the league's offseason rules.

Under the league policy that was installed back in 2011, players “are not permitted to participate in ... group or individual meetings with coaches” until the offseason workout programs officially begin. The rule falls under Article 21, Section 2(a)(ii).